coatings with high hardness and evaluate their microabrasive
wear resistances.
– In both cases regular layers were formed, composed of
NbC. These layers presented similar levels of hardness,
measuring approximately 2300 HV0.050.
– The NbC layer formed on AISI M2 steel was thicker
than that on AISI H13 steel, due to the higher carbon
content of M2.
– The micro-abrasive wear resistance of the NbC layers on
AISI H13 and M2 was considerably superior to
uncoated AISI H13.
– The wear mechanisms observed in the NbC coated
samples were grooving abrasion and rolling abrasion.
– TRD treatment proved to be extremely efficient for the
production of high hardness and wear resistant carbide
layers.